Iconic Forbes Island at Pier 39 Shut Down by Fire

It’s been a bad week for fires, after Oakland’s Merritt Bakery shut down indefinitely due to a fire on Wednesday, and today brings news of another at the iconic Forbes Island lighthouse restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf. According to KTVU, the fire was accidental and broke out around 3 a.m. when houseboat owner and restaurant founder Forbes Thor Kiddoo was on board. He tried unsuccessfully to extinguish it himself with a garden hose, and it was ultimately put out by a fire boat. Apparently, the island still stands, though the extent of the damage is unclear. Kiddoo, dubbed the Millionaire Houseboat Designer of Sausalito, first built the landmark structure as his own private home in Sausalito in 1975, anticipating that he would build an entire floating colony of such houseboats. (It had elegant state rooms, and a waterfall that cascaded into a hot tub, landing it on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous in 1980.) After that plan was squashed, Kiddoo floated it across the Bay in 1990 to its current home in Sea Lion Harbor, transforming it into a restaurant. The main dining rooms, as those who’ve had the pleasure know, are both underwater, with portholes overlooking the murky depths. The forty-foot lighthouse is the only privately own lighthouse in the country. We’ll update you as we learn more about the restaurant’s future. [KTVU, ABC 7] Update: As of Friday, May 17, they’re already set to reopen. Phew.